Mexican Red Spaghetti - Espagueti Mexicano Rojo

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Ingredients 
Spaghetti
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
2 medium bay leaves

Sauce
1 lb (4 large) ripe tomatoes
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
¼ of a medium white onion
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons chipotle pepper in adobo
1/2 cup water
2-1/2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
1/2 cup crema mexicana (or heavy cream)
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish
 ½ cup grated queso fresco, cotija, or Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the sauce:

    • Blend the tomatoes, chopped onion, and garlic with a little water in a blender.
    • Heat a pan with butter over low heat (to avoid burning).
    • Once the butter has melted, strain the blended mixture into the pan to remove the tomato seeds and skin, creating a smoother sauce.
    • Season the sauce with salt or chicken bouillon powder.
    • Let the sauce simmer on medium heat for 20 minutes until it thickens and the flavors meld together.

  2. Temper the cream:

    • To temper the cream, slowly add a little bit of hot sauce to the cold cream and mix to prevent it from curdling.
    • Once tempered, incorporate the cream into the sauce and mix until fully integrated, creating a creamy consistency.

  3. Cook the spaghetti:

    • Bring water to a boil in a large pot.
    • Add some onion, garlic, and bay leaves to the water for flavor, along with a pinch of salt and a little olive oil to prevent the spaghetti from sticking.
    • Once the aromatics have infused the water (after 5 minutes), add the spaghetti. Cook according to the pasta package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes).
    • Stir occasionally to avoid the spaghetti sticking together.

  4. Combine pasta with sauce:

    • Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain the water, but avoid rinsing it with cold water as it will remove the starch and flavor.
    • Reheat the sauce over low heat and add the drained spaghetti to the pan.
    • Toss the spaghetti in the sauce and cook for a few more minutes until the pasta absorbs the flavors.

  5. Serve:

    • Plate the spaghetti and top it with fresh cheese or Cotija cheese if desired.
    • Enjoy!

Pro tip: You can add fresh cheese or Cotija on top for added flavor.






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